How to buy groceries...in any economy!

So, Mark and I have a new hobby...shopping!  Don't worry, we're shopping smart!  Let's take a look at our most recent Walgreen's trip, shall we?

We bought:

a $9 razor

5 toothbrushes

4 tubes of toothpaste

Rimmel foundation

Loreal facial cleansing cloths

cold medicine

4 bottles of Pert Plus shampoo

And our total: $1.03

No, I did not leave several numbers out!  Seriously, we paid $1.03.  How?  I'm glad you asked!

There's a website called couponmom.com.  If you're like I used to be, you probably think that coupons do not save enough money for your time or the off-brand version of the product is cheaper even after you have a coupon.  Well, Coupon Mom has proven all of my theories to be incorrect!

Basically, here's how it works.  Mark and I buy 4 papers each Sunday.  When we get home, I "gut" the papers and file the coupon circulars in a file folder with the date noted on the folder.  All of the circulars for the week go together and I don't touch them again until I am ready to go shopping.

Then comes couponmom.com!  Coupon Mom has several tips for saving with coupons.  First of all, it is important to know your store's coupon policy.  For example, Kroger and Publix double coupons up to $.50 which means a $.35 coupon is actually worth $.70!  Also, the best time to use a coupon is when the product is on sale so that you're getting your best bang for your buck.  

Well, the good thing about this website is that it does all of the work for you!  Coupon Mom let's you know when the product is on sale, which circular has a coupon, and, perhaps the most important information to a math teacher, the percentage saved on the item.

Mark and I have only been taking advantage of coupon savings for a month and we have already saved somewhere close to $300!  Crazy!!  Some deals we've snagged:  cereal for $1 a box, free Betty Crocker box potatoes, free doggy treats (that we gave away), and we were even paid $4 to buy 4 bottles of shampoo!

Here's how the shampoo worked...it's my best deal yet!  The shampoo was on sale for $.99 and I had a coupon for $2 off.  $.99 - $2.00 = a credit of $1.01...and I bought 4 bottles and had 4 coupons!!  Amazing!  

We are SO addicted to finding deals and saving money!  Mark thought I was crazy to begin with but now he is just as hooked as I am!  Also, since we are finding great deals, it is easy to stock up...and stocking up means there's lots to give away...which feels even better than saving lots of money!!